By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya has today signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the Czech Republic, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral defence relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi with H.E. Ms. Nicol Adamcová, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kenya.
“I am pleased to announce the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), between Kenya and the Czech Republic today at the Defence Headquarters with H.E. Ambassador Nicol Adamcová, the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Kenya,” stated Defence CS.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Ms. Stella Mokaya Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany (accredited to the Czech Republic); the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training, Major General Fredrick Leuria; and other senior officials from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and the Czech Republic.
Kenya and the Czech Republic established diplomatic relations in 1993 and have since enjoyed cordial and constructive engagement, supported by resident Czech diplomatic representation in Nairobi.
In recent years, defence cooperation has emerged as a central pillar of the bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of capacity-building, training, and knowledge exchange.
The signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement marks the culmination of discussions that commenced in 2019.
“We stand ready to embark on implementation of the DCA upon ratification, guided by the spirit of mutual trust and our shared commitment to regional and international peace and security,” stated Tuya.
The DCA now provides a formal, structured, and comprehensive framework to guide and strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries, enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both parties reaffirmed their readiness to commence implementation of the Agreement upon ratification, guided by the principles of mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to regional and international peace and security.
The Defence Cooperation Agreement underscores Kenya’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships that contribute to national security, regional stability, and global peace, while further strengthening long-standing ties with the Czech Republic.